Improving intraperitoneal chemotherapeutic effect and preventing postsurgical adhesions simultaneously with biodegradable micelles

Abstract The two major concerns after cytoreductive surgery of abdominal and pelvic malignancies are residual tumors and peritoneal adhesions, which are inevitable and have great impact on prognosis. Therefore, to improve the intraperitoneal chemotherapeutic effect and prevent postsurgical adhesions simultaneously after surgery, we developed a novel strategy that combines the controlled drug delivery system (CDDS) with an antiadhesion barrier. Biodegradable poly(ethylene glycol)–poly(ɛ-caprolactone)–poly(ethylene glycol) (PECE) copolymer formed micelles in water, which turned instantly into a nonflowing gel at body temperature as a result of micellar aggregation. Effectiveness of doxorubicin-loaded PECE micelles (Dox-M) in improving intraperitoneal chemotherapeutic effect and preventing adhesions was investigated. Subsequently, we established a novel mouse model for postsurgical residual tumors and peritoneal adhesions, in which Dox-M could improve intraperitoneal chemotherapeutic effect and prevent postsurgical peritoneal adhesions simultaneously. Thus, it is a promising strategy to combine the CDDS and barrier method to improve the intraperitoneal chemotherapeutic effect and prevent peritoneal adhesions simultaneously after surgery. From the Clinical Editor In this novel study, biodegradable micelles are studied as agents capable of preventing adhesion formation and cancer cell spread following abdominal tumor surgeries. The authors document excellent outcomes with docorubicin-loaded PECE micelles, paving the way for clinical use in the not too distant future.